Waterfront Rentals; cultural areas - where to live (Baltimore, Ellicott City: apartment, lofts)

[gregvince]

Hello there. I'm a 47 year old professional single male. I currently live in Ellicott City, and though it is a great area for families - it is lacking for a single person.

I love the idea of renting an apartment in the city - one where I can leave my car parked on the weekends and walk to everything. I love waterfront views - but I also love the idea of getting involved in the arts scene in Baltimore.

Conversely, I've never lived in a city before. I'm looking at rental properties in Fells (Thames Point), Canton (Tindeco Lofts, The Eden), and an area I think is called West Town (The Zenith, Greene House, Sail House Factory). I've kind of eliminated some of the cool places which are right adjacent to the block. But I've totally fallen in love with a place near Penn Station called the Railway Express Lofts. But I'm not sure about that area in terms of walkability to things.

I don't have pets - and I like to feel safe fully understanding that the city is a city - and crime is everywhere.

I've spoken to my friends who live in the city - and mostly they like wherever THEY live and have nothing positive to say about other areas LOL People being people - I figured I'd get better input from those I don't personally know haha.

My timeframe is fluid - I'd like to move sometime over the next year. I'm not looking to buy at this point in time. Once I find an area I love - I will buy.

Things which are important to me: Secured Parking; sense of community/neighborhood; Quality living space/neighborhood area. I want to be feel comfortable on a morning job - or walking to a restaurant I've never tried - with friends or by myself - and finding cool people to meet.

Price is an issue in this day and age - and I'd prefer to spend no more than 1800 a month. I'm fine with a one bedroom - though space for a home office in mandatory. I'd also like to have relative quiet when I'm in my apartment (I am getting OLD!)

Any input is appreciated!

[dfredward]

Hi GV, you might want to start at harbor east and go out from there. harbor east is in between fed hill and downtown on the west side of the harbor, mt vernon (and railway express lofts just above it) to the north, and then fells and canton to the east. see how far you would like to walk from everything to your home and then take a look at where those places are located.

there are lots of condos along the canton waterfront, fells, and harbor east, as well as fed hill. harbor east has several rental bldgs too. you might like scarlett place and harbor court right on the harbor, and from there you can easily walk to all those neighborhoods. st paul at chase in mt vernon might be a good option too, as well as professional arts building. southern management has several apt bldgs in town too.

i'm about your age and live in mt vernon and frequent harbor east and fells. let me know if i can be of more help.

[davecj]

Hendersons wharf in fells point may be just what you're looking for. It's a few minutes walk to fells point proper and is on the water. I've shown a number of rental units there and many are quite nice. Plus there is deeded parking.